Written on March 8th, 2010 at 12:03 am by Darren Rowse
What Do You Do With Your Blog to Make it Stand Out from the Crowd?
Last week on Twitter I was asked by @southrngurl6489 the following question:
If you had to pick only one thing that makes a blog stand out from its peers, what would you pick and why?
I thought it’d be a good question to open up to a wider audience as its something I’ve touched on quite a few times over the last year or so and because what makes a blogger distinct is often, by definition, something that can vary from blog to blog.
What are you doing to make your blog stand out from the crowd? What have you seen other blogs do that makes them stand out?
Further Reading: Here’s a post I wrote on the topic earlier in the year – The Power of Uniqueness [19 Starting Points for Being a Unique Blogger]
96 Responses to “What Do You Do With Your Blog to Make it Stand Out from the Crowd?” - Add Yours
Marinka
March 8th, 2010 12:30 am
Your voice. For me it has to stand out so that when I’m reading your blog in Reader, I should know whose blog it is, isn’t if I’m not keeping track of the title.
Alexey
March 8th, 2010 12:35 am
1.Design
2.Interesting Articles and Reviews
3.Useful Links
Pete Michaud
March 8th, 2010 12:36 am
What I look for is biting insight and vulnerability. If you write concisely and are willing to expose yourself to criticism and ridicule, you’ve got me.
No dry prose, no equivocation.
Daniel
March 8th, 2010 12:37 am
Headlines. They gotta rock to get the attention of your audience. Then the content—it has to add value to the readers.
Pascal
March 8th, 2010 12:40 am
To stand out from crowd,
1. I am delivering all tutorials as videos. It gave great hit to my blog. For example, I have created more than 60 tutorials for thesis theme customization alone within a month.
2. I closed my paid services and continuously helping to bloggers for free.
etc, etc, etc……
Kazushime Hikaru
March 8th, 2010 12:45 am
I believe what makes a blogger truly stand out from the crowd, is not only a custom layout and user-friendly blog interface that grabs and holds the attention of the reader within the first 15 seconds of looking at the page- but also the blogger’s way with words, quality of material, and how much they socially interact with fans/readers.
The key to an out-standing blog is to be different, unique, but similar. You want to be similar because you want people to be familiar with the fact that you are a blogger – meaning that you’re making them feel at home knowing they can find information that you’ve written just for them – but how you present it to them needs to be perfect in a way that is uniquely brought to them. Don’t be like everyone else, and copy and paste news articles with your oppinions…or don’t just post 1 low res photo and a few sentences.
I believe a good blogger will find a way to be outstanding from the rest, will have some way of pulling people in, and utilizing social networks to do so. But you must be skillful in a way that doesn’t make it look like you’re just throwing links at people or advertising. You do that and people think you’re just panhandling for some traffic. “Hey man…spare some hits please?” No, we don’t need to do that.
Bloggers will truly become outstanding to themselves and others when they find their niche- a uniquely devised purpose of reasoning within themselves for what they do- have a drive that constantly urges them and feeds them to love and be passionate about it to the point where it’s noticeable- and to refrain from being an untouchable jerk when the blog is popular. DO stuff for the readership- keep things loaded with content, but don’t be lame and too simple.
Many things go into making a blog outstanding. Many things go into what makes people/celebs/icons outstanding.
Originality. Information. Entertainment. Simple but Deep.
Qualities, and possibilities overflow on the list of possible things to make one or one’s blog outstanding when it comes to consumer generated media and user created content.
Blogging is considered a form of CGM/UCG, and that’s what I find so interesting about it. You never know what creative/weird/interesting/demented/etc… things will come out of it. It is an essence that has been made available through the internet that we can connect with personally, and let creativity…or stupidity run through out fingertips- into the net itself- viewable by the rest of the world.
Some really out-stand. Some are vague and lost in the void of millions if not billions of sites you’ll never see in a lifetime. Those seo-less, 1 hit a day wonders. *tear*
And some…are truly special, or just really freekin’ useful or fun. Maybe even addicting. Could those be other tools to make one stand out? “YES! Let’s make something addicting to read!” – that I do not know.
But if you mix together everything I’ve said in this little doobly-do, there you have it.
-Kazu
MieVee @ MummysReviews.com
March 8th, 2010 12:48 am
MummysReviews.com is the pioneer dedicated review blog for parents with babies / toddlers in Singapore and Malaysia. The niche makes it stand out.
Within the niche, we ensure that useful information (content) is provided to assist our parent readers make smart purchases.
John's Weight Loss Blog
March 8th, 2010 12:48 am
As a blog using the Thesis theme I thought it was important to make enough design changes so that it didn’t look like every other Thesis blog.
We Fly Spitfires
March 8th, 2010 12:54 am
I’d say content. Visually, of course, it also helps to have a blog that attracts the attention of the user and draws them in but content is always what will make them stick around. I prefer blogs that either offer useful insights and content or strong, well written opinions.
Vasundhar
March 8th, 2010 12:55 am
1. Not being Biased
2. Constantly updated
3. Should make complex ideas simple
They Standout…
blogs.hbr.org
lifehacker.com
Subahkar
March 8th, 2010 1:10 am
Hi,
I think the main aspect which attracts any visitor is the blog design. It should be readable and easily navigable. More graphics might cause more headache. Only a good layout does not keep the blog out of crowd. We need to have unique and useful content.
Subhakar
http://www.dollars2day.info/
Rod@GoPetFriendly
March 8th, 2010 1:25 am
As my handle might imply, we run a website for people who travel with their pets. Rather than sit in an office behind a computer and “tell” people how easy this is to do, we bought an RV, had it wrapped in bright colors and pet photos, and will be traveling in the US and Canada with our two dogs. We are walking the walk, and our blog will reflect places to stay and things to do. We leave next week.
DB Ferguson
March 8th, 2010 1:31 am
The biggest thing we do at No Fact Zone (a fan site dedicated to Stephen Colbert and the ‘Colbert Report’) is we add a lot of original content features, that we do on a daily and weekly basis. For example, we do an episode guide for each ‘Colbert Report’, and we have a weekly A”pop”calypse post that talks about the pop culture references on the show, for viewers/readers who may not have caught them.
This unique content lifts us above other news sites who may only feature mainstream media news. We create content that the readers will enjoy outside of what they can find on an RSS feed.
While content is the reason people come to my blog, the community is the reasons why it stays. We put a ton of emphasis on our community. Our fan community is one of the largest on the web as far as the Colbert Nation goes, and we have always kept an atmosphere of a shiny, happy community. You can comment on our site without worrying about being attacked by trolls or being responded to with vulgar language. We’re very supportive and helpful. This fun, positive attitude helps wrangle in new readers to participate in the comments and come back again and again.
OnTheRoadToSuccess
March 8th, 2010 1:40 am
Content! Nobody wants to know what you had for dinner last night. Real bloggers reserve such topics for their wives and kids. I only return to blogs with outstanding content.
Gurl
March 8th, 2010 1:49 am
Wow, There are some great answers here. I asked that question because I am trying to step it up on my blog without loosing the fun side. I will be keeping up with the comments, and most likely taking lessons from them! Thanks Darren and those commenting!
EF Cussins
March 8th, 2010 2:07 am
The Shopping Nazi does two things. One the name, The Shopping Nazi, lets people know we are fanatical about helping people save money.
Each post takes a unique approach at helping people saving money. Most of the material is what post is the homework people should do before they go out the door to purchase anything.
Dana @ Blogging Update
March 8th, 2010 2:37 am
Be our self. Each of us is unique, right? So if we do blogging as my self i think my blog will be unique and it surely great to be stand out from crowd.
Atle Iversen
March 8th, 2010 3:02 am
I use the blog as a knowledge management site rather than a “diary” (well, a bit of both).
This means that I go back and edit/update older articles to keep them relevant, and also to link them to new articles. When an article is no longer useful, I remove it.
David Edwards
March 8th, 2010 3:20 am
Most people chose a subject that is popular and blog about the subject – Sport, Tech, Fashion etc…
What I have done is created an animation series and blog about the progress of the series and mix it up with custom illustrations of the characters.
The traffic is mainly from “You Tube” so it’s important that the videos go viral to get a fan base built to profit from the website.
It’s all on target to start earning money by May 2010. I started in May 2008 so that’s 2 full years of being broke!…
The foundations are there, it’s just a matter of setting up the shop properly…
Thanks
David Edwards
;]
Mark Wolfinger
March 8th, 2010 3:21 am
I reply to every question. At times the replies are long enough that I convert The Q & A into complete blog post.
My readers are never short-changed. If they have a problem, I’m there to give the detailed answer.
My blog is about stock options and learning to sue them to reduce risk when investing.
Sarah Baron
March 8th, 2010 3:45 am
For us, it is content, content, content. We’ve gotten nothing but good comments. Comments like, “Nice site ladies.” The comments on the site are actually hilarious, because the content, which is about the private discussions of 8 women friends (with information so good we’d be unfair NOT to share), is both racy and not.
Also, design is clean and warm (I hope). Finally, we don’t really fit into any standard niche, which is good and bad. Makes it hard for social media classification, but also a little different from the rest of the crowd.
That’s our approach, for now. We’ll see where it leads. Thanks for the comments.
Blogercise
March 8th, 2010 3:51 am
I felt strongly that I wanted to put up a blog about blogging but had no desire to compete with the likes of excellent resources (such a ProBlogger!) that had regular streams of content going up on a daily basis.
But with a couple of personal sites doing well and a professional career working on large commercial websites I thought I had something to say.
So my meta blogging site is slightly different to the others in that it isn’t there to promote a load of services that I don’t really endorse or support. I just wanted to put up a few key pages that share some thoughts from an industry professional.
If people find it useful then great, if not then that’s cool too :)
Mister Houston
March 8th, 2010 4:11 am
You have to provide something different. Everyone is tired of seeing the same old thing over and over. A new perspective is what you need.
Jared O'Toole
March 8th, 2010 5:11 am
It’s about our niche. We provide business advice and startup motivation but its focused on the under 30 crowd. Everything we do revolves around becoming an under 30 ceo.
That content connects with our audience and makes us standout from other sites with advice.
We also hold live events on ustream and hashtag events on twitter which again increases the community environment and we try to do it more and better then anyone else.
The design of the site has been the least important factor in differentiating.
Jeri Dansky
March 8th, 2010 5:16 am
What makes my blog stand out is content. Other professional organizers have blogs, some of them very good – but my content is distinct. No one else would feature a glyptodon piggy bank – or the many other wonderful organizing-related products I’ve blogged about over the years.
AnastasiaCarroll
March 8th, 2010 5:18 am
My blog is about studying Japanese language (http://lang2lang.ru). Although there are other sites in the Russian internet dedicated to the same subject (5 or 6), my site is completely different and I’m very happy about it :D
Jannie Funster
March 8th, 2010 5:21 am
My tagline “will sing for donuts and beer,” is one I haven’t seen on other blogs. :)
And lately I’ve witnessed a flock of “blog award” poetry fairies fluttering around leaving comments to encourage back-links. Quite the crew of crazy sweeties.
Michal Kašpárek @ Brno Now
March 8th, 2010 5:35 am
1/ Unique topics and content, not to be seen anywhere else.
2/ Design and copywriting that tell readers: “This blog is my passion and also a serious business for me.”
FrazzledMom
March 8th, 2010 5:35 am
A different take on the same subject. Lots of people review books online, and lots of people do it in the genre I review. But while others tend to focus on emotional reaction and characters, I focus on literary value and the spiritual message. (Christian books.)
It makes my blog very unique within the niche. (Although it remains to be seen if it is TOO unique. It’s young yet.)
I have seen others who review the same genre always do a author interview with every single review. That makes for a fresh look at the “same-old” books. Very nice.
juan
March 8th, 2010 5:45 am
I think is very dificult to create diferents blogs.Always when i have an idea I start and then I realize that there are a lot of blogs like mine
在线赚钱
March 8th, 2010 5:48 am
The ultimate difference between all blogs is the content. The content is the main thing that should allow you to stand out from the rest of the bloggers. I say this because what and how you write reflects your personality. And everyone’s personality is different unless you are a copycat.
Jewelry Secrets
March 8th, 2010 5:48 am
Keeping it fun and casual. I talk in my blog just like I would talk to a friend. I think people have got to like you and like your voice.
Great navigation and images are priceless. The site has got to look good and work well.
I don’t fit into any standard niche, so that helps me stand out from the crowd. I tell it like it is. I think people appreciate that and trust me.
With my blog I’m always trying to help people. I like to open people’s eyes so they don’t get ripped off. Plus, having tons of unique content and giving them ways to save money… works for me! :)
Bill Palmer - Activate Media Group
March 8th, 2010 6:35 am
like any good brand communication, a good blog must understand its community and speak directly to that audience in a meaningful way. A clear blog marketing plan with solid market research supported by strong “persona/ voice”, excellent headlines, useful links, and multimedia (video tutorials, photos, podcasts). Also, I am finding best practices with the great widgets of polls, tweetmeme, hootsuite, addthis, and feedburner.
Bamboo Forest - PunIntended
March 8th, 2010 6:54 am
To stand out I focus on what I deem I’m good at. I don’t try to do what others are doing. Instead, by doing what I excel at, I’m essentially doing what others simply can’t.
To be more specific: I write on things and with angles that aren’t being done anywhere else. And I’m committed to excellence, posting less frequently but very high quality.
The above may sound pompous, but really: If you don’t believe in your writing, who will?
M.M. Daniels
March 8th, 2010 8:06 am
I believe that your personality injected into your blog is what readers are looking for, if you let them into your life they may feel like you are friends. They get to know about you and your interests even your family.
Blog design could tie with your voice for first place. Design can get people to read your blog but it won’t keep them there.
Chris Pontine
March 8th, 2010 8:31 am
I personally am starting to write in my own language. I find if its not so structured and boring it tends to draw more people in and to create a better atmosphere.
Ark Lady
March 8th, 2010 8:41 am
What gets me to a blog is the voice of the blogger and the content. I could care less about how it looks–although I tend to like personalized blogs, if the content is great I’ll stick.
I do a lot of reading through my feed reader so good headlines help but it is mostly the voice and something different from the masses.
Lately I find I only scan and read a handful of posts. Sometimes it is newsy, sometimes tips, sometimes silliness.
As for my blogs, I’ve broken a big site into smaller niched topics. I have found that as I have narrowed my focus, the readers tend to leave more comments.
Traffic is steady but I’d like to see more growth. I have also cut down on how often I blog but remain consistent and so readers understand when the blogs get updated.
It has been fun to watch some of the blogs I read get better, customize, and evolve.
Farnoosh
March 8th, 2010 8:55 am
Good question. I think my writing voice. I started my blog because my brother told me one day that I have a writing voice that is different from my spoken voice and I should try writing. (My brother never compliments me!) The aesthetics are always a work in progress….!
So I would say my writing voice and timeless content from the heart.
Jack | Online Marketing Blog
March 8th, 2010 9:02 am
What do I do? I like writing personal posts that gives my readers more information on who I am as a person.
Sharon
March 8th, 2010 9:05 am
GREAT photos. I know that attracts me to a blog… and I’ve noticed a difference in the response I’ve been getting since I have invested in learning photography.
Randy @ Just Point and Shoot
March 8th, 2010 9:10 am
I try to have an interesting tone and keep things feeling casual, though I still feel like I need to develop more in the area of standing out.
I think the layout would be the best place for me to stand out, I’m wicked creative and used to design websites, but it’s been a long time and I just feel intimidated by the idea of designing the blog myself. Right now I’m too cheap to pay for something like Thesis so I can design it more easily.
I also want to make some videos, those seem to be in short supply on most blogs, I’m just hard up for ideas on what to make a video about.
Michael
March 8th, 2010 9:52 am
Quality over Quantity.
You need to be able to provide something…anything…in your niche that readers get from you they cant get ANYWHERE else.
Brian Satterlee
March 8th, 2010 10:56 am
I recently read my demographics and was shocked to find out that I mostly appeal to people with an advanced college degree! That was not my intent at all… I wanted to bring MBA-type information to the small business person, who may not have even gone to college. Ok, so I decided to make my blog a little more entertaining, especially over the weekend when my traffic drops off. So that’s what I’m trying to do… still bring great information to my audience but also be more entertaining. Is it working?
Chris Quigley
March 8th, 2010 12:25 pm
My blog, Running on Dew, tackles different facets of media, such as movies and video games. It does this from a dorky-subculture perspective though, rather than from a strictly professional perspective. That’s where the name “Running on Dew” comes from. The theme is unique, and reflects both the dorky subculture and the namesake. I also try my best to make the images for each post be visually stimulating to the reader.
Justin
March 8th, 2010 4:58 pm
I think it’s mainly a combination of decent content and GREAT titles/headlines.
Check out an article directory and look at the most read articles. Almost all of them have catchy headlines!
David Weedmark
March 8th, 2010 5:18 pm
This is to me an example of a blogger who always stands out: http://ctkingston.com. For five key reasons:
1. Original content – always fresh.
2. Interesting Titles that tease you into clicking.
3. Personality behind the content.
4. Eye-catching graphics invite you to scroll the page.
5. Engages the audience. A comment never goes unnoticed.
Harsh Athalye
March 8th, 2010 5:24 pm
I think in addition to unique content, unique style of presenting the content adds value to the blog. The blog should connect to the reader in a way that reader should feel part of it. So in effect making blog as easy to read as possible is one way to make it stand out – by adding more relevant images, videos, relevant resource links, easy to do navigation etc.
abercrombie milano
March 8th, 2010 7:03 pm
rectly to that audience in a meaningful way. A clear blog marketing plan with solid market research supported by strong “persona/ voice”, excellent headlines, useful links, and multimedia (video tutorials, photos, podcasts). Also, I am finding best practices with the great widgets of polls, tweetmeme, hootsuite, addthis, and feedburner.
Raph
March 8th, 2010 7:19 pm
1. Original Niche
2. Original Perspective/Opinion
3. Original Content
4. Original Design
These four things, and in that order, will be the basis for standing out from the crowd in the blogging space. All the other things you do like unique headlines or a unique method of content delivery (eg: video or audio) will be the icing on the cake so to speak.
multikulinaria
March 8th, 2010 8:16 pm
Among many other food blogs mine is kind of standing out, cause I do not present own products (as a company’s blog would do) nor just present recipes I cooked (as most food blogs do).
I’m a networker at heart. Therefore my blog is targeted at introducing great foodies and products plus presenting my own stuff (recipes in general). I meet with people, visit manufacturers, restaurant owners, etc. and write about the folks and what makes them special.
This gives an interesting mixture, where readers get to know valuable ressources (on- and offline), get to know and appreciate me (hopefully). On long-hand it also may create some monetary benefit (from products sold via the blog). But that never was the main intention for this blog and I hope my readers agree, that multikulinarisch.es is not about selling but sharing…
Phillip Gibb
March 8th, 2010 10:22 pm
Two things:
Dynamic and contextual information: Where I provide more information in tabs; sidebar and in the particular post in a way that is relevant to the post.
The footer: highlight those who contribute and more personal info about myself in the form of videos and photos. Bust with this.
Cebu Tech Blogger
March 8th, 2010 11:24 pm
Most of us are blogging on the same niche. To make it stand out from the crowd- be unique and write according to you own insights and feelings.
sudharsan @ technoskillonline
March 8th, 2010 11:35 pm
I will do some changes in..
1. Title of the post…
2. Content with personal touch.
3. Adding images to my post that should describes my whole post at one seeing
4. Blog Themes
Ben Klempner
March 8th, 2010 11:44 pm
I would be short, concise, HELPFUL, and brutally honest. Exactly what I’m trying to do already!!!
Maria Kirk
March 8th, 2010 11:48 pm
1. Unique content
2. Write about one niche topic per blog
3. Design
4. Check all links work correctly
5. Relevent content
6. Photo’s and Video’s
I have read your book and gained a lot of information from that!!
Donna Cunnningham
March 9th, 2010 12:25 am
High quality content with useful applications written in accessible language and a personable style. Lots of reader involvement.
DeeMarieF
March 9th, 2010 12:39 am
Question 1
What are you doing to make your blog stand out from the crowd?
My Internet “voice of choice” is the expose because my niche is dominated by licensed real estate professionals and banks. So you could say I’m elbowing my way through a mountain range of massive towering iceburgs to get to the front line in educating first time home buyers. The fact that I’m not motivated by selling them a house or a mortgage sets me apart. (I’d be interested in hearing your opinion on what I’m doing.)
Question 2
What have you seen other blogs do that makes them stand out?
My #1 favorite thing is providing useful, actionable information. #2 is engaging with readers in a caring, respectful and appreciative way (both like here on problogger). I also like interviews, which is something else I’m considering doing.
hillary
March 9th, 2010 1:52 am
*consistency
*deep sense of honesty
I’m not a big dog in the blogger world by any means, but my first project which is how I’ve learned everything has steadily grown these past 6 months and the feedback is amazing.
Nick
March 9th, 2010 2:05 am
@OnTheRoadToSuccess Haha. My entire site is basically geared around what I had for dinner last night. Or many nights ago.
What I had and how you can have it too!
In my very overrun niche of food blogs I’d say you can stand out by:
1) posting frequently
2) having a unique voice
3) being consistent with your message or slant on cooking.
Blog Your Passion
March 9th, 2010 4:01 am
I’d say content, humor, personality, perspective, like-ability, and being bold and authentic. There are way too many blogs that are as boring as a loaf of Wonder Bread.
Eric
March 9th, 2010 4:41 am
Personally I think it greatly varies by each person. Some may think content is what makes you stand out, your voice, your links, how often you post your articles, ect.
I think just experimenting with what you want to strive for and keep up with things as you go makes you stand out.
James over at the InfoPreneur.net is a great example and has by far stood out in the crowd but doesn’t act like he’s all that. He just does his thing and is damn good at what that thing is.
vanae
March 9th, 2010 4:46 am
the personal-ness:
from the design of the blog to the engagement with my V’stars (readers).
it’s very gratifying and fun to connect with your audience in a real, genuine way.
Gurl
March 9th, 2010 5:02 am
Whoa… Lots of thoughts here to ponder. But why does the whole niche thing keep coming up? While some niche blogs are awesome (like this one), I’m not comfortable with any ONE topic to always post about it.
Do any of you think that a blog with no one topic other than the author speaking about things on their mind (sometimes a day in the life of type thing, other times anything from reviews to editorials on news…and even the occasional awesome new recipe tried tonight) has a niche?
Is there anyone who does stand out in the blogosphere who’s blog is similar to what I described above? I am trying to think of examples myself, but I don’t read a lot of “A List” blogs.
I am glad to see all these comments. Its definitely given me a good bit to think about.
Donovan Moore
March 9th, 2010 5:06 am
As editor of spiritnewsdaily.com, a blog covering non-dualistic news from around the world, content is still king.
But as to marketing, I use hootsuite to announce my new posts via twitter that is then linked to my facebook fan page.
Simple. basic. fundamentals. Just like John Wooden.
donovan moore
editor
spiritnewsdaily.com
Gabi
March 9th, 2010 5:28 am
#1 way I try to stand out is Flash
I always aim to have really stunning photography, but that is more a pre-requisite on a food blog these days.
I think (and have gotten feedback) that the flash centerpiece and photo driven front page really stands out because it is not the typical flowing text blog homepage.
Dorothy Ray
March 9th, 2010 5:51 am
Using info on ppg 32-34 of PROBLOGGER, I’ve spent an enlightening morning looking at blogs re my intended niche.
I learned I don’t want:
1. Small type w/ few subtitles
2. Crowded by ads
3. Lack of white space and color
4. Lots of verbiage with few visuals
4. Dry words that don’t engage reader’s interest
5. Many links that distract reader from main message
6. Bulk of information aimed at lining blogger’s pocket, not helping reader solve her/his problem.
Marie Prentice
March 9th, 2010 7:48 am
In my personal experience, the thing that stands out most to me is the quality of design. I’m visually oriented, and seeing a polished and well put together blog is what really makes me smile and want to stick around.
Obviously, the content needs to pique my interest as well, but definitely design first.
Best,
Marie P.
http://www.affinityclick.com
Beth Norman
March 9th, 2010 7:57 am
1. Provide weekly free tutorials. Recently tooted it as a “free on-line class” and stretched out the topic over a two month period. That alone doubled my viewers.
2. I personally respond to everyone who leaves a comment. It surprises me I blow them away by doing so. By chit chatting with my readers, I get to know them on a more personal level.
3. I post simple tips and tricks, and with all the research I do, readers think I’m extremely knowledgeable. I have learned that today’s readers do not want to research themselves so I do it for them.
Steff Metal
March 9th, 2010 9:48 am
To stand out from the crowd: You have to be the blog that answers the questions all the other blogs in your niche don’t.
I knew I wanted to start a blog about heavy metal. I researched all the popular and not-so-popular heavy metal blogs. I realised they all focused on music news, album reviews, or live show reviews. I didn’t think I had anything worthwhile to add to that discussion.
What I am is a female in a sea of mostly-male metal bloggers, with a love of fashion and trashy media. So I did what no one else was doing: I made a metal blog geared towards women – a blog about heavy metal fashion, lifestyle and culture – the Cosmo magazine for headbangers.
Plus, I get to write a whole magazine: the editorial, the in-depth feature stories, the fashion spreads, the book, album and movie reviews, the advice column, the cooking section … I’m never bored. It’s a bit like what Gurl was describing – a blog about everything that fits in a niche. Because it’s like the band manowar say “If you like metal, you’re my friend”.
Some people think it’s silly, but my ever-growing traffic disagrees.
Chris Roane
March 9th, 2010 12:25 pm
I don’t think we necessarily need to keep all of our post confined to one “niche” topic. Covering multiple topics could bring a uniqueness to our blog that others lack. But it is worth saying that if you are trying to break into your field, it is easier to become well known for something specific instead of something general.
I’m honestly still learning about this with my own blog. Part of me want to go all out with whatever subject I want to talk about, but that is probably not the way to go.
Isn’t the one attribute that is unique with all of us is that there is no one exactly like us in the world? We are all unique in ourselves, and so if we let this come out in our blogs, we will stand out from the crowd.
Cori Padgett
March 9th, 2010 2:05 pm
For me, I look at design as well as the quality of the content itself. If the content is of poor quality then I won’t stick around, but if the content is stellar with a crappy design, I’ll still poke around a bit. If the content and the design are awesome and easy to nav, then you’ve got a fan. :)
chandan
March 9th, 2010 2:42 pm
I am trying to bring my blog top ten for some good keywords, if I can achieve that then I will think that my blog stand out from the crowd.
FloorElf
March 9th, 2010 3:12 pm
I have a really warped sense of humor. If you read anything I write you think one of two things:
1. That’s the FloorElf – he has a really warped sense of humor
2. Who the hell is this guy? He has a really warped sense of humor
3. This guy is a jackass
or
4. That’s the FloorElf – he can’t count
No matter which, it will usually stand out…I hope.
Rachel Denning
March 9th, 2010 4:38 pm
My blog gets noticed by others because:
1. It’s about a unique topic- Mom, Dad, and four (soon to be five) small kids, traveling and living abroad.
2. It has a professional look, not just a blogger or wordpress blog
3. I use lots media- video and photos.
http://www.discovershareinspire.com
Kat Eden
March 9th, 2010 5:03 pm
Without even beginning to think about answering your question I just have to say I love the tone it sets. I’ve become so used to berating myself for all the things I’m doing wrong (mainly to do with never quite meeting my goal of a set amount of time for my blog and therefore never getting around to keyword optimising tags, categories, backlinking, basically most of the 31DBBB!)
Buuuut – truth be told I guess I’m doing something write in terms of the way I connect with readers. Although my traffic is nowhere near where I’d like, I get excellent feedback from those that do drop by regularly. And most newbies stay.
So I guess what makes me stand out is consistent posting (where in my niche random posting seems to be the norm) and content that is – for the most part – based on meeting readers needs. Nothing fancy, but it’s slowly but surely working!
Harmonica Notes
March 9th, 2010 9:54 pm
In January I did a month long harmonica basics program on youtube and now I am doing video interviews with local professional harmonica players asking for advise for new harmonica players.
Video is makeing a big difference in engagement.
abercrombie milano
March 9th, 2010 10:28 pm
i do nothing but wait and see.
things will come out of it. It is an essence that has been made available through the internet that we can connect with personally, and let creativity…or stupidity run through out fingertips- into the net itself- viewable by the rest of the world.
Some really out-stand. Some are vague and lost in the void of millions if not billions of sites you’ll never see in a lifetime. Those seo-less, 1 hit a day wonders. *tear*
hokya
March 9th, 2010 11:09 pm
usually, i update the post daily so the returning visitor won’t get bored with the content :D
アバクロ 銀座
March 10th, 2010 12:12 am
Whoa… Lots of thoughts here to ponder. But why does the whole niche thing keep coming up? While some niche blogs are awesome (like this one), I’m not comfortable with any ONE topic to always post about it.
Kieran Daly
March 10th, 2010 2:01 am
ITS
OFTEN JUST
ABOUT THE VISUAL
IMAGE THAT YOU PRESENT
FOR INSTANCT IN ALL THESE
COMMENTS AS YOU SCAN THROUGH
THESE COMMENTS YOU LOSE FOCUS AS THEY
ALL START TO LOOK THE SAME
SO YOU NEED AN IDEA
THAT STANDS OUT
FROM THE
OTHERS
Killer Ab Workout
March 10th, 2010 10:43 am
Blog about what is different then what everybody else is saying. Content is king garbage doesnt fly like it did last year. Times are changing people want real content they can stick their teeth into.
scott
March 10th, 2010 6:54 pm
I love the information that you offer I’d love an exchange of websites.
http://sbiaffiliate.com
r4 sdhc
March 10th, 2010 10:20 pm
I think video blogging is a sure way to go. I also have to agree my niche in helping others to get out of debt is been well, a bit overdone.
WhichBetter
March 11th, 2010 5:57 am
I think the most important thing is the way how the author sends to everyone the “message”.
And also a good design can make the “difference”
priya
March 12th, 2010 6:07 am
Im the author of the blog http://www.ladything.com
As iam dealing with a specific niche i have given much importance to the content and design to suit the audience.
Podcasting can be a revolution in future.Every blogger should speak to his audience thru words, pictures and even with voice and videos.
James Stewart
March 12th, 2010 7:44 am
Like some have already said, CONTENT is the one for me.
I think it’s very easy to have a smart looking blog with custom made headers etc but if there is no content to draw readers in, then what’s the point.
We can all create great looking blogs with a bit of effort but its what it contains that is key.
Also, an easy to read and user friendly layout will always help.
James
Justin King
March 12th, 2010 3:20 pm
“1. Original Niche
2. Original Perspective/Opinion
3. Original Content
4. Original Design”
Completely agree. Well put Raph.
senthil
March 12th, 2010 4:11 pm
Gr8 Post …I like the way you present your ideas.
Sen
http://www.enggcolleges.info
seslichat
March 13th, 2010 8:40 am
things will come out of it. It is an essence that has been made available through the internet that we can connect with personally, and let creativity…or stupidity run through out fingertips- into the net itself- viewable by the rest of the world
Jodi
March 13th, 2010 3:49 pm
I have several blogs and I have found that you definitely stand out when you take the approach of NOT being an expert. I like to blog about my experiences learning a new skill or concept. Beginners love learning along with me, and experts like being part of the community and chipping in with their advice.
So instead of always feeling pressured to know everything about your niche, you can make fun of yourself a bit, and you have TONS you can cover as you learn new things.
Mo
March 16th, 2010 11:33 pm
Don’t write what you think your readers want. Write what you want to write. In other words, don’t feel pressured to deliver what you think they want to deliver, which also takes the joy out of blogging.
Kelly
March 18th, 2010 9:37 pm
Trying to stand out in the ocean of “Mommy Blogs” has been a challenge for me. The title of my blog throws me into this category it seems by defacto, but I talk about more than just being a mom with humorous takes on kids, marriage and sports I love to play (speedskating and cycling).
I strive to keep my content strong and I believe that is what keeps folks coming back. I only started blogging less than a year ago and the site continues to grow, which has been exciting!
Thanks for this post- it shared some ideas that I will keep on the back burner!
Tyler Davis
March 19th, 2010 1:47 pm
You don’t have to make your blog stand out from the crowd. You just have to bypass the crowd.
Every blogger is always looking for blogs to comment on so they can do this: http://thequestforheight.blogspot.com and pimp their blog.
If I can find a small blog it’s a gold mine because I know if I comment on it they’ll probably do some looking around on my blog. If I find a large blog I know it’ll probably have lots of unique and interesting comments that people will take the time to read so if I had my comment on there I can pimp my blog out.
How to stand out from the crowd? Reach out to bloggers who are always interested in having more readers and another place to advertise their blog.
Mark Bradshaw
March 25th, 2010 8:09 am
I think, or at least hope, one of the things that makes a blog stand out is the experience behind who’s writing it. If someone’s writing about something, let’s sure hope he/she has the background to back it up.
And even though you have the expertise, showing some vulnerability helps. You may have some advice and answers, but no one has all the answers. Readers can relate to you if they see that.
drt
March 30th, 2010 3:46 am
This is the same question that I keep asking myself. I’m specializing in providing wellness info to my readers. But that means I have to compete with the big boys out there. I think finding the latest info that will benefit a lot of people then providing the link to the mailing lists in such a way that is not considered as spam are the keys. But hey, my blog is less than a week old. However, I was delighted to see that in the last two days it picked up more than 150 people/day. My other blog seldom got that much visit even though it has been out there for 4 years. I still need to work hard or should I, more importantly, work smart on building my blog. I’m glad to find entries like this, Darren. Also, your 31DBBB is really a good reference. I think everyone who is serious about blogging should have that book.
What do you think about using a strip of postage stamps story in my last posting? What do you think is missing from that post to make it stand out from the crowd? Also, do you think adding that video helps or hurts the value of the post?
http://www.at-wellness.net/ed-and-heart-health/
Thanks.
Ben
May 16th, 2010 10:53 am
Nice blog. Especially for your your first time, looks like you have the hang of things. If you would like to get more targeted traffic like me to your site, raise your page rank, and learn how to monetize, visit my site for a free live chat consultation regarding your seo/sem and internet marketing. My name is Ben.
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